Vice President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Babs Ogunade, has confirmed that D’Tigress head coach Rena Wakama and Phoenix Mercury center Murjanatu Musa will be available for the 2025 Women’s Afrobasket in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, despite their active roles in the ongoing WNBA season, Bold Sports reports.
The 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket is scheduled to take place from July 22 to August 3 at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan. Nigeria will be aiming for a record-extending fifth consecutive Afrobasket title.
Concerns had been raised among basketball fans about Wakama’s availability, as she is currently serving as an assistant coach with the WNBA’s Chicago Sky. Similarly, Murjanatu Musa is part of the Phoenix Mercury roster, having joined the team after completing her club duties in France with Tarbes Gespe Bigorre.
With both teams likely to be active deep into the WNBA regular season, there were fears that Nigeria’s key personnel could miss the continental championship.
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However, Ogunade put those fears to rest.
“Yes, she (Rena Wakama) will be available for the Afrobasket. All our players will be available, including Murjanatu Musa,” Ogunade told Bold Sports.
D’Tigress set for open camp, homecoming tournament ahead of Afrobasket 2025
Ogunade also revealed that preparations are in top gear, with the training camp for the D’Tigress set to begin soon. The NBBF has opted for an open camp system, just like before the 2023 Women’s Afrobasket, rather than sending direct invitations to established players.
“Camping will start very soon because we don’t have much time left. There will be an open camp for all the players, and we’re expecting new talents to join as well,” Ogunade said.
“The coach (Wakama) will have a lot of work to do in selecting the best team. We’re also planning a homecoming tournament in Abuja to get the players in top form ahead of the Afrobasket. It’s going to be a busy period for both the players and the coaching crew.”
As part of its build-up to the tournament, the Nigeria Basketball Federation will host a three-nation ‘Homecoming Tournament’ from July 18 to 20 at the MO Arena in Abuja. The mini-tournament will see D’Tigress face off against Kenya and Togo.
Nigeria chases historic 5th-straight Afrobasket title
Nigeria’s D’Tigress are the defending champions, having won the last four editions of the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023. With sights now set on a historic fifth straight crown, the presence of Wakama and Murjanatu Musa will be crucial for the team’s success.
Murjanatu, in particular, has grown in importance for the Phoenix Mercury, making valuable contributions off the bench. Her experience, combined with Wakama’s leadership from the sidelines, is expected to be key in Nigeria’s campaign to remain Africa’s top-ranked women’s basketball team.
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